SQA HND / BTEC Level 5 HND: Applied Sport and Exercise Science; Sports Coaching and Development of Sport; Fitness, Health and Exercise; Health and Fitness; Sport and Recreation Management (for SQA awards, preference of Grade A in the Graded Unit and a minimum of a Grade B (preference of an A) in the Graded Unit for the HNC element of the HND)

Course content

The programme was developed in consultation with national sport organisations, national governing bodies, national and local sport industry personnel and expert coaches.

Guest speakers to the course have included Dr. Richard Cox, Sport Psychologist andDr. David Stevenson, Head of Performance Analysis, Scottish FA.

Several students have competed at International level in their respective sports whilst studying at Sport Coaching at UWS.

Core topics are: sport coaching, sport development and sport and exercise science, providing an overview and basic understanding of all three disciplines. Topics include introductory coaching, academic writing and sport development.

Studies include the development of sports coaching, how skills are acquired and your first worksite learning experience. Students attend industry-related placements and receive training from our industry partners before commencing placement.

Sport coaching and supporting topics become specialised and focused on theory into practice, for example the science behind coaching. Subject areas include biomechanics, strength and conditioning, and psychology. You will contextualise these aspects on a second professional placement, again working with our partners in industry.

You will
consolidate knowledge gained previously, through interdisciplinary modules
including contemporary issues in sport coaching and undertake a dissertation.

Career prospects

Employment
rates for graduates are excellent, with previous students working with local
authorities, sports clubs, national governing bodies of sport, sports centres
and health promotion initiatives. Graduates also work for national governing
bodies including coaching delivery and sport development. Many graduates have found
employment within the area of Active Schools as sport development officers, PE
teachers, and with NGB’s and various other educational outlets.

Placement/Work-based learning

There is a strong emphasis on placement learning and developing the practical skills relevant to the modern sports, health and fitness industries. Excellent industry links provide work-based learning opportunities and offer links to attainment of coaching qualifications.

Students have undertaken placements with St Mirren Football Club, South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture Trust and the Scottish Football Association.

Study abroad

Students have undertaken exchange opportunities at University of Wisconsin, USA and in France, Spain and Sweden.

Useful Information

NB: There is a requirement to purchase a UWS sports kit which will be used during practical classes and whilst on placement representing the university.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme)

Applicants to the programmes listed on pages 166-167 will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG Scheme), managed and delivered by Disclosure Scotland. For more information please refer to www.scotland.gov.uk